One day last week there was a picture in the paper of a community, Countryside Village, in Lawrenceville, GA which was devastated by the flood waters. Countryside Village didn’t have much said about it, but my heart was captured. Maybe because it is the type of place I grew up, or maybe because I couldn’t find much information about it after the initial story. Whatever the reason over the past week I have been searching for this place and looking for ways we can connect The Vine to the people of Countryside Village. If you see the pictures above, you will see the saddest part is the children being effected by this whole situation. The second picture shows just the pure damage the water did as everything has been thrown out of the house. If you look closely at the 3rd picture, you can see the water line on the house.
After spending time prayer driving the community with my kids on Sunday, Ken Westbrooks and I went back today with a load of water to make the first step in letting the people know that The Vine cares.
We made contact with many families who were totally washed out and don’t really know what is next. One person after another told us, “we are just going to wait on FEMA”. Then we meet Dora. She was standing outside of her washed out home with 2 of her 3 kids. We stopped and offered her some water, which she gladly received. I asked her if she had a plan and her answer was so different from many of the other ones we had received, “I am waiting to see what happens and just where the help is going to come from.” Then she said, “I don’t really know.” She is married and has 3 children who are 7, 3, and 9 months. They were all asleep when someone started banging on the window and yelling, “the water is coming the water is coming!” They left everything in the middle of the night dressed only in their night clothes. Franscyco and Dora had NO choice but to get the two girls Ashley, 7 and Paolla, 3 along with Jerrd 9 months and head for higher ground. They loaded up in the family car and were gone. Left behind was everything, even one of their cars. Toys, clothes, important paperwork and all the memories that comes with being a family and having stuff. They are currently staying for a few days with her sister, but that will only last for so long. Her sister has a small place and 4 kids of her own.
Here is where we come in as The Vine. We can provide for this family the way we would want the people of God to step up and provide for us. I am asking for you to go shopping. Below you will find the sizes for each of the family members and I want us to make them know the joy of restoration. Please don’t bring your used stuff to this family only to go and buy new stuff to replace your used stuff. How about we keep our used stuff and just go straight for the goal of first fruits and give new to those who have lost it all. I will say this, if my family lost it all, I would want to be able to give my little ones something new. Lets make it happen.
Here the details:
Drop off: Classy Nail and Tan,
View Larger Map“>5771 Old Winder Hwy Braselton, GA 30517
If you need to speak with someone at the drop off location, please call Shawn @ 404-667-3566
Drop off dates: Tuesday 9/29, Wednesday 9/30, Thursday 10/1, Friday 10/2 and Saturday 10/3 by noon.
Needs:
Franscyco – 32 x 32 pants, med – shirt
Dora – 8 pants, large – shirt
Ashley, 7 year old girl – size 9 or 10
Paolla, 3 year old girl – size 4
Jerrd, 9 month old boy – size 12 months
diaper size 3
Ashley loved to ride her bike before it was ruined in the flood. Paolla loves to play with anything Dora the explorer (funny since mommy is named Dora). Jerrd is 9 months old and will play with anything he can put in his mouth.
Lets respond to this family in need as only the people of God can and show them how much God cares so they will want to know more about our God who cares.
They lost everything and are wearing their cousin’s clothes to school and bed each day. Remember pick up and delivery will happen on Saturday, so GO SHOPPING NOW and lets make a difference!
Outreach at The Vine 